Universal mounting for various signage

ABSTRACT

Front and rear sign panels are joined together by a spacer element recessed from the outer margins but extending generally around the entire periphery of the sign. The spacer includes a keeper portion which cooperates with an adapter having a tongue portion insertable in the recess and engageable with the keeper to rigidly attach the adapter to the sign. A second portion of the adapter cooperates with a support to anchor the adapter and sign to the support. The sign can be mounted by the adapter from any side and ribs on the tongue portion of the adapter engage the inner surfaces of the panel to stablize the entire assembly. Preferably, the adapter and spacer elements are extruded from plastic with the latter element being affixed to the inner surfaces of the sign panels by an adhesive.

United States Patent Propst et al.

[75] Inventors: Robert L. Propst, Ann Arbor;

William E. Stumpf. Zeeland; Michael A. Wodka, Ypsilanti. all of Mich.

[731 Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc., Zeeland, Mich.

[221 Filed: Oct. 3. [972 [21] Appl. No: 294,657

[52] US. Cl. 40/128 [51 Int. Cl. G09f 7/22 [58] Field of Search 40/128,10, 140, 142, 125; 248/490, 475

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,154.870 11/1964 Hopp etal. .4 40/140 X 3.208 170 9/1965 Madey 40/10 R 3.327.414 6/1967 Hill v r40/128 X 3.671723 7/1972 Lazar 4/128 [451 May 20, 1975 PrimaryExaminer-Robert W. Michell Assistant ExaminerWenceslao J. ContrerasAttorney, Agent, or Firm-Price, Heneveld, Huizenga & Cooper 57 1ABSTRACT Front and rear sign panels are joined together by a spacerelement recessed from the outer margins but extending generally aroundthe entire periphery of the sign. The spacer includes a keeper portionwhich cooperates with an adapter having a tongue portion insertable inthe recess and engageable with the keeper to rigidly attach the adapterto the sign. A second portion of the adapter cooperates with a supportto anchor the adapter and sign to the support. The sign can be mountedby the adapter from any side and ribs on the tongue portion of theadapter engage the inner surfaces of the panel to stablize the entireassembly. Preferably, the adapter and spacer elements are extruded fromplastic with the latter element being af' fixed to the inner surfaces ofthe sign panels by an adhesive.

24 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures 1 UNIVERSAL MOUNTING FOR VARIOUS SIGNAGEBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an improvedsign and mounting assembly providing universal support of the sign fromany side.

The principal object of this invention is a signage sys tem whichpermits a sign of arbitrary configuration to be quickly and easilysupported, cantilevered or suspended from a variety of supportconfigurations by a unique adapter element which can be interconnectedto the sign from the top, bottom or sides. The rate of change in anactive organization causes frequent shifts in jobs and workenvironments. Conventional signage practices that require extensiveturn-around time from need-identification to installation are cumbersomefor active change-oriented organizations.

There is a great variety of signage sources and com ponents in the priorart that are available to organizations trying to cope with signageproblems. It is often difficult to put together a smooth-running signageprocess. Unless sign components can be arranged in some managableprocess, a lack emerges, with attendant confusion and delay. Thecustom-made sign is the traditional response to the signage problem.Even when graphic consultants create a corporate identity program for anorganization, the components are generally custom'made. While theinitial signs may look good and function well for the situation theywere designed for, subsequent organizational changes will render themobsolete.

The time to procure and install custom signs frequently spans days.weeks, and months and, as a result, conflicts with an activeorganization. A secondary consideration is that although initial signageapplications in large facilities offer volume-price reductions, themanager soon becomes alarmed at the high replacement and/or new signagecost of custom-made components. The pressures created by time/costproblems inherent in custom installations can lead to improvised signagepractices. The consistency of good graphics and identity oftendegenerates into a conglomeration of handwrought messages. The resultand impact upon the visitor is one of an inconsistent dog-caredcollection of signs that satisfy no criteria. Trying to keep pace withchange, the manager who falls victim to custom signage, whise signsdisplay a plethora of letter forms, symbols, and materials, must riskgood communications effect for his organization.

An additional problem with sign systems of the prior art is thatfrequently, well intentioned information becomes lost in visuallycomplex or noisy surroundings. The mind suffers from a sensory overloadof too much information presented too quickly. Signs also lose theireffectiveness when they are timidly displayed in a sterile environment.The mind needs obvious visual triggers to alert visitors to changes inorientation, to conditional situations that caution, direct, or suggestdestinations.

In addition to the preceding problems, one of the most serious problemsremains that of low grade hardware. Low grade hardware components do notpossess modular compatibility with other signs, the prevailingarchitecture, andfor are often cumbersome and cannot be reused. Thus,there is a need in this art for an improved signage and mountingassembly which can be quickly and easily installed; has a high degree ofinterchangeability; provides a positive stable anchoring l f the sign toa support; provides an aesthetically clean appearance not encumbered bydistractful hardware; and accomplishes the foregoing at an economicalmass production rate not heretofore possible. In a related aspect, thereis an additional need for an adapter element which can be supported,cantilevered or suspended from a variety of support configurations andinterconnected to the sign from any desired side. While the prior artsuggests various hardware for mounting a vari ety of different sizesigns or advertising display indicia, none provide the flexibility,stability or economics of the sign assembly contemplated herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the invention, a spacerelement having an elongated generally tubular configuration is securedto one side of a sign panel recessed from the outer margin thereof. Thespacer includes a keeper means exposed toward the outer margin fromwhich it is recessed. An adapter having a tongue portion is receivablein the keeper means to rigidly secure the adapter to the spacer atselected positions along a side of the sign. The second portion of theadapter is cooperable with a support to anchor the sign and adapter tothe support.

In narrower aspects of the invention. the sign is comprised of front andrear panels separated by the spacer. the latter being visually shieldedby its recessed posi tion. The spacer element preferably extendsgenerally around the entire periphery of the sign so that the adaptercan be secured to the spacer along any edge of the sign. The tongueportion of the adapter includes an enlarged free end which fits behindthe keeper means on the spacer by sliding engagement. The tongue portionalso includes one or more ribs which engage the interior surfaces of thepanels to provide positive lateral stability. Various types of adaptersdiffer from one another only in the configuration of the second portionto permit the sign to be anchored to a variety of supports havingdissimilar physical configurations without the necessity of mechanicalfasteners. In yet narrower aspects. the spacer and adapter elements arepreferably comprised of an extruded plastic.

As a result of this invention, signs of arbitrary shapes and sizesbearing selected visual indicia thereon can be quickly and easilymounted to or removed from a variety of different types of supportswithout requiring the manipulation of any mechanical fasteners. This isaccomplished simply by sliding the tongue portion of the adapter into orout of engagement with the keeper of the spacer portion of the sign. Thesecond portion of the adapter is designed to cooperate with a particulartype of physical support configuration. For example, this invention isparticularly applicable in connection with what is known asenvironmental office groupings. Such groupings generally utilize privacypanels from which it is desirable to suspend or support various types ofidentification or directional signage. Depending on the desired positionand location of the sign relative to the panel, a variety of differenttypes of adapters are provided in that the second portion thereof isspecifcally designed to cooperate with the panels to locate the sign atthe desired location. Other types of adapters are provided which can beutilized to support a sign from other types of supports such asceilings, walls or semipermanent or portable supports. Thus, aparticular advantage of the invention is the wide flexibility providedwithout requiring changes in the sign configuration except for perhapsthe particular type of adapter required. In so doing, significanteconomical advantages are achieved in that the spacers and adapters aremass produced of a light-weight economical extruded plastic. At the sametime they provide total flexibility featuring quick-change capability.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a perspective view of one of theadapter elements of the invention being inserted into one of the signsof the invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary end view ofa sign like the one illustrated inFIG. I showing the spacer element of the invention;

FIG. 3 is an end view of an alternative spacer element;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary plan view ofa sign illustrating in hidden linesthe positioning of the spacer elements of the invention;

FIG. 5 is an edge view of the sign illustrated in FIG. 4 taken generallyalong line V-V;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the adapter illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative adapter element;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of yet another alternative adapter;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of still another alternative adapter; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of still yet another alternative adapterelement.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawingsin detail, FIG. 1 illustrates one type of a sign l0 specificallydesigned for interconnection with an adapter element 120. The signillustrated in FIG. I is comprised of front and rear panels 14, I4 aspaced from each other by a spacer element 16 illustrated in FIG. 2. Thespacer element also interconnects the two panels since the outersurfaces of 18, 18a of the spacer are preferably flat and secured to theinner surfaces 20, 20a of the panels by an adhesive or the like. One orboth of the outer surfaces 21, 21a of panels 14, [4a bear some type ofvisual indicia thereon to portray the particular message of the sign.

Panels 14, 14a, in accordance with a preferred em bodiment ofthisinvention, are preferably formed from colored plastic. the indicia beingeither permanently or removably placed thereon by any one of numerouswell known techniques.

Spacer element I6 has a keeper portion 22 recessed from the outer margin24 (FIG. 2) of the sign for receipt of a tongue portion 26a (FIG. 1) ofadapter 120 to rigidly lock the adapter to the sign. The details ofkeeper portion 22 and tongue portion 26 will be described hereinafter.Adapter 12a also has a second portion 280 cooperative with a particulartype of support to anchor the adapter and sign to the support. This willalso be described in more detail hereinafter.

Referring briefly to FIGS. 4 and 5, a plurality of spacer elements 16are utilized in interconnecting and spacing panels 14 and 14a of signl0. Spacers 16 are in effect continuous about the periphery of the signexcept that they are interrupted at each corner so that an adapter canbe interconnected with sign 10 along any edge. Thus, sign 10 illustratedin FIG. 4 shows a horizontal spacer element 16 with two adjacentvertical spacers l6 and I6". Adapter 12a can be inserted along any edgeof sign 10 by inserting the tongue portion 26 into either keeper portion22, 22' or 22" as illustrated in FIG. 4. Although FIG. 4 is afragmentary view of sign 10, it will be appreciated that a secondhorizontal spacer corresponding to spacer 16 illustrated in FIG. 4 ispositioned along the bottom portion of sign It). An importantconsideration however is that a particular sign 10 can be supported fromabove. below or the sides.

Referring now in more detail to FIG. 2, spacer element 16 of theinvention is comprised of an elongated tubular member having a generalrectangular cross section with a restricted opening through one of itsshorter sides. More specifically, the overall cross sectionalconfiguration is a general U-shape comprising a pair of sides 30 and 32interconnected by a web portion 34. The free ends of sides 30 and 32include inwardly projecting flange portions 36 and 38 spaced from eachother to define an elongated restricted opening 40. Flanges 36, 38 andopening 40 extend longitudinally the length of spacer 16 to definekeeper portion 22 for receipt of the tongue portion 26 of adapter 120.As mentioned earlier, the outer surfaces 18 and 19 of sides 30 and 32are flat so that they can be easily interconnected to the surfaces 20,20a of the side panels by an adhesive or the like. In this fashion,panels 14 and 14a are spaced from each other a distance equal to thewidth of spacer 16 which is defined by the width of web portion 34.

Preferably, spacer element 16 including its sides is generally rigid sothat a uniform spacing of panels 14 and 14a is achieved. Web portion 34provides one rigid cross support, and a second is provided by a wall 42spaced from web portion 34 near the center of spacer l6. Spacer element16 illustrated in FIG. 2 is preferably formed from a light-weightextruded metal such as aluminum.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of spacer element 16,identified in FIG. 3 by the reference numeral 16a. The constructionshown in this figure is preferred where the spacer element is relativelysmall since it can be extruded more easily. Element 16a is similar toelement 16 illustrated in FIG. 2 and corresponding parts are identifiedby corresponding numer als with the suffix a attached. Hence, element16a is comprised ofa pair of sides 30a, 32a joined together by a webportion 34a having flanges 36a and 380 formed inwardly along the freeends of sides 30a and 320. Also, outer surfaces 18a and 19a of the sidesare flat to per mit panels 14 and 14a of sign It) to be secured togetherby an adhesive or the like.

Spacer element 16a is preferably comprised from an extruded plasticmaterial. The wall portion 42 of spacer I6 in FIG. 2 is replaced in thealternative arrangement shown by a latch mechanism 44 comprising a pairof hooks or L-shaped portions 46 and 48 facing inwardly toward eachother and extending longitudinally along the inner surface 50 of side19a. The feet portions of hooks 46 and 48 are spaced from each other todefine a resticted opening 52. Extending from the inner surface 54 ofside 30a is a longitudinally extending rib 56 having an enlarged endportion 58 which is flexible along with hook portions 46 and 48 topermit the enlarged end 58 to be snapped into the restricted opening 52provided by hooks 46 and 48. Once the foot portions of the hooks arecleared, the resiliency of the hook portions snaps around the enlargedend 58 to lock sides 30a and 320 into a rectangular configurationidentical to that of spacer l6 illustrated in FIG. 2. Thus, it will beappreciated that there are various alternative ways of constructing thespacer element of the inven tion with a keeper portion 22 or 22acooperahle with adapter 12a.

Referring to FIG. 6. the adapter element 121! illustrated in FIG. 1 isshown in more detail. The second portion 280 is particularly adapted tofit across the width of a privacy panel 90 shown in phantom in FIG. 6.Adapter 12a is designed to support the sign from the bottom so that itextends above and in the plane of the privacy panel.

Tongue portion 26a extends centrally from portion 280 and has anenlarged free end 60 characterized by a flange portion 62 extending toeach side of the tongue forming a general T-cross section. Spacedlaterally along tongue portion 26 intermediate flange 62 and portion 280is a rib 64 having portions projecting in the same direction as theflange 62 from each side of tongue portion 26a defining rib portions 66and 68. Portions 66 and 68 are spaced laterally from flange 60 adistance equal to the thickness of lip portions 36 and 38 of keeper 22so that adapter element 12a can be engaged with the lip portions of thespacer element in a tongue and groove fashion by inserting the tongueportion endwise and sliding it along lip portions 36 and 38 of thespacer element. The spacing between flange portion 62 and rib portions66 and 68 of the adapter element form a pair of keeper grooves 70 and 72for tongue and groove receipt engagement with lips 36 and 38 of thespacer element. In effect. a trackway is formed so that adapter element120 can be moved endwise relative to spacer element 16 to any positiontherealong. Preferably. the outermost edge surface 74 and 76 of ribportions 66 and 68 fit snugly against the inner surfaces of sides 30 and32 of the spacer element while the wall portions forming the sides ofgrooves 70 and 72 lock snugly around lip portions 36 and 38 so that apositive stable interconnection is formed between the keeper andreceiver portions of the spacer element and the adapter.

A second rib 80 corresponding to rib 64 includes rib portions 82 and 84formed on tongue portion 26a to provide lateral stability of adapterelement 120 when it is engaged with spacer element 16. The overall widthof rib 80 like rib 64 equals the spacing between panels 14 and 140 sothat when tongue portion 26a is inserted for engagement with spacerelement 16, the outer edge surfaces of rib elements 82 and 84 abutagainst the inner surfaces and 20a of panels 14 and 14a. This provides apositive interconnect between adapter 120 and sign it). Rib 80 is spacedfrom rib 64 along tongue 26 so that when inserted properly in spacer 16,it rests in abutment with sign 10 just inside its outer margin 24 asshown in FIG. 1. This provides a firm positive engagement between tongueportion 26 and Sign 10 at both its inner and outer end with regards toits length.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, it is noted that spacer element 16 isrecessed a substantial distance from the outer margin 24 of sign 10.Tongue portion 26a of adapter 12a is inserted within this recess so thatthe interconnect portion of the hardware is completely shielded from theeye of an observer of the sign unless it is viewed endwise. This ofcourse will not be the case in the normal installation environment. Theinsertion and removal of adapter 120 with sign 10 is illustrated clearlyin FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 4, the offset interruption areas 25 at eachcorner permit endwise insertion and removal of adapter 12a along anyside of the sign.

As noted earlier, the second portion 280 of adapter element 120 isadapted to connect the adapter and a sign attached thereto to a supportsuch as a privacy panel illustrated in phantom in FIG. 6. Second portion28a extends outwardly from each side of tongue portion 26a along itslower end 92. The portions 94 and 96 which extend outwardly from tongueportion 264 terminate in a lip portion 98 and [00 which portions arespaced from each other the approximate width of privacy panel 90.Preferably, each lip portion includes a tooth 102 and 104 extendinginwardly toward each other which forms a wedge flt with the sides of theprivacy panel to assure a positive grip when adapter element portion 280is wedged down over the upper end of privacy panel 90.

In accordance with the particular adapter element illustrated in FIGS. 1and 6, a sign 10 of arbitrary configuration as illustrated in FIG. 1 canbe interconnected to a support such as a privacy panel by an adapterwhich does not require any mechanical fastening elements. By simplesliding tongue portion 260 into keeper engagement with the selectedspacer element l6, 16', 16'' etc.. the sign can be positioned onto asupport for observation in any desired configuration.

Referring to FIG. 7. an alternative adapter 12b is illustrated which isparticularly adapted to suspend the sign from the top of a privacy panel90 such as illustrated in phantom in FIG. 7. In this configuration, thesign is positioned below the upper margin of panel 90. The tongueportion 26b of adapter element 12b is identical to that described withregards to adapter element 12a and includes an enlarged outer end 60,first and second ribs 64 and 80, each of which includes rib portions 66,68 and 82, 84. The second portion 28!) however is modified in thefollowing fashion. A single flange portion extends to one side only oftongue portion 26b and has a lip portion 112 at its outer end, which isturned downwardly so that it extends in the same direction as tongue26b. Lip 112 has an inwardly turned tooth portion 114 correspondingeither to portions 102 or 104 of the adapter element 120 illustrated inFlG. 6. A corresponding tooth portion 116 extends in the direction oftooth 114 along the base portion of tongue portion 26b so that a similarwedge engagement is provided over the upper edge of privacy panel 90except that the sign is suspended beneath this upper edge along one sideof privacy panel 90 instead of being supported above as illustrated inthe embodiment of FIG. 6.

Referring to FIG. 8. an adapter element 12c is illustrated comprising atongue portion 260 identical to tongue portions 260 and 26b. The secondportion 280 of adapter 120 is defined by a slight extension of tongue26c which extends above the sign margin when tongue 26c is insertedtherein. An aperature permits the sign to be supported by a wire or thelike which is looped through aperture 115 and anchored to any overheadsupport such as a ceiling beam. it will be appreciated that one or moreadapters 12c may be utilized.

Referring to H0. 9, an alternative adapter element [2d is illustratedhaving a tongue portion 26d identical to tongue portions 26a, 26b, and26c. The second por tion 28d however comprises a flat plate-like flange118 having portions 120 and 122 extending from each side of the base endof tongue 26d. Each flange portion I and 122 includes one or moreapertures I24 to permit adapter 12d to be anchored to a wall or the likeby threaded fasteners (not shown). While adapter 12d utilizes mechanicalfasteners. it provides a more permanent installation which may bedesired in certain installations. The mounting of course is not limitedto a wall. but rather can be permanently anchored from a support surfacein any position.

Referring to FIG. 10, an adapter element 120 is illustrated whichpermits two or more signs similar to the one illustrated in FIG. l to beinterconnected together for joint display by utilizing one of theadditional adapter elements illustrated in FIGS. 6-9. Adapter element120 is comprised of a pair of oppositely extending tongue portions 26eand 26e'. Each of the tongue portions are identical to those describedpreviously and include respectively enlarged free end portions 60, 60",and spaced rib portions 64, 64 and 80, 80'. By inserting each respectivetongue portion into a sign, it will be appreciated that two signs can berigidly interconnected to each other both of which lie essentially inthe same plane.

In summary, all of the adapter elements described herein areparticularly susceptible to mass production techniques such asextruding. Although they are preferably comprised of a relatively rigidplastic, they can also be extruded of metal. Plastic is preferred inthat it provides better wear and appearance characteristics. For thatsame reason, the spacer element embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 ispreferred over the illustrated in FIG. 2. All of the hardware however issusceptible to standard sizing so that it can be ordered and utilized ina variety of situations thereby eliminating the high cost and timeelement in custom signage.

Although several embodiments have been shown and described in detail, itwill be obvious to those having ordinary skill in this art that thedetails of construction of these particular embodiments may be modifiedin a great many ways without departing from the unique conceptspresented. It is therefore intended that the invention is limited onlyby the scope of the appended claims rather than by particular details ofconstruction shown. except as specifically stated in the claims.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:

l. A display assembly comprising. in combination: a sign having frontand rear panels spaced from each other by a spacer element, said elementbeing recessed from the outer margins of said panels, said spacerelement including means defining a keeper; and an adapter having a firstportion defining a tongue means cooperatively engageable with saidkeeper to rigidly connect said adapter to said sign, and a secondportion cooperable with a support to anchor said adapter and sign to thesupport, said tongue means further including one or more raised portionson each side, said raised portions abutting the inner surfaces of saidpanels between said spacer element and the outer margin of said panelsto provide lateral supportive stability of said sign and spacer to saidadapter.

2. The display assembly according to claim 1 wherein said spacer elementhas a general U-shaped cross section defining a pair of legs joined by aweb portion, said keeper comprising mating lip portions extendinginwardly toward each other from the free ends of said legs, the tongueportion of said adapter element having an enlarged portion on the freeend thereof adapted to fit behind said lip portions to interconnect saidadapter element to said spacer.

3. The display assembly according to claim 2 wherein said legs, lipportions and tongue are generally rigid. the cross-sectional width ofsaid tongue portion except for said enlarged portion correspondingdimensionally to the spacing between said lip portion so that saidadapter is interconnected or removed from said spacer by endwise slidingengagement of said adapter and spacer relative to each other to permitsaid enlarged portion to be positioned behind said lip portions.

4. The display assembly according to claim 3 wherein one of said raisedportions on each side of said tongue is spaced from said enlargedportion a distance corresponding to the thickness of said lip portionsso that said one of said raised portions abuts both the inner surface ofsaid panels and said keeper when said adapter is interconnected to saidspacer element.

5. The display assembly according to claim 4 wherein said one of saidraised portions defines a continuous rib extending the length of saidenlarged portion to form a laterally extending pocket in which said lipportions are seated.

6. The display assembly according to claim 5 wherein the other of saidraised portions defines one or more continuous ribs extending the lengthof said adapter.

7. The display assembly according to claim 3 wherein said spacer elementis generally continuous about the periphery of said signal to permitsaid adapter to be interconnected to said sign from any side, saidspacer element being interrupted at each corner of said sign to permitendwise insertion or removal of said adapter relative said spacerelement.

8. The display assembly according to claim 2 wherein said spacer elementis comprised of an extruded material.

9. The display assembly according to claim 8 wherein said material isplastic, each of said legs being generally rigid but movable toward andaway from each other about said web portion, the inner surfaces of saidleg portions including means defining a latch positioned intermediatesaid lip portions and web portion to anchor said leg portions inparallel relationship to each other.

10. The display assembly according to claim 9 wherein said latch meansincludes a pair of resilient flange portions extending from the innersurface of one of said legs toward the other of said legs and includinginwardly turned end portions defining a latch having a restrictedopening, the other of said leg portions including a tongue portionextending toward said other flange portion and including an enlargedfree end receivable through said restricted opening by flexing saidlatch portions outwardly whereupon said enlarged free end is capturedbehind said inwardly turned end portions to clamp said leg portions inparallel relationship to each other.

H. The display assembly according to claim 2 wherein the outer surfacesof said leg portions comprise a flat surface permanently secured to theinner surfaces of said panels by an adhesive or the like.

[2. The display assembly according to claim I wherein said spacerelement extends generally around the entire periphery of said panel sothat said adapter can be interlocked to said spacer element and signalong any edge of said sign.

l3. A display assembly comprising. in combination: a sign having akeeper ioined to one side. said keeper being recessed from the outermargins of said sign: and an adapter having a first portion defining atongue means cooperatively engageable with said keeper to rigidlyconnect said adapter to said sign along an edge of said sign. and asecond portion cooperable with a support to anchor said adapter and signto the support. said tongue means further including one or more raisedportions. said raised portions abutting the sign between said keeper andthe outer margin of said sign to provide lateral supportive stability ofsaid sign and keeper.

14. A display assembly according to claim 13 wherein said keeper has agenerally U-shaped cross section defining a pair of legs joined by a webportion. the outer surface of one of said legs being affixed to said oneside of said sign by an adhesive or the like. said keeper comprisingmating lip portions extending inwardly toward each other from the freeends of said legs. the tongue portion of said adapter element having anenlarged portion on the free end thereof adapted to lit behind said lipportions to interconnect said adapter to said spacer element.

15. The display assembly according to claim 14 wherein said legs. lipportions and tongue are generally rigid. the crosssectional width ofsaid tongue portion except for said enlarged portion corresponding dimensionally to the spacing between said lip portions so that Said adapteris interconnected or removed from said keeper by cndwise slidingengagement of said adapter and keeper relative to each other, saidkeeper being interrupted at the corners of said sign to permit endwiseinsertion and removal of said adapter from said keeper along any edge ofsaid sign.

16. The display assembly according to claim l4 wherein said sign iscomprised of a pair of panels spaced by said keeper. said keeper beingpositioned intermediate said panels and recessed from the outer marginsthereof 17. The display assembly according to claim 14 wherein saidkeeper and adapter are comprised of an extruded plastic material.

18. A display assembly comprising. in combination: a sign having fromand rear panels spaced from each other by a spacer element. said elementbeing recessed from the outer margins of said panels and extendinggenerally around its entire periphery. said spacer element includingmeans defining a keeper; and an adapter having a first portion defininga tongue means cooperatively engageable with said keeper to rigidlyconnect said adapter to said sign along any peripheral edge of saidsign. and a second portion cooperable with a support to anchor saidadapter and sign to the support.

19. The display assembly according to claim [8 wherein said spacerelement has a general Ushaped cross section defining a pair of legsjoined by a web portion. said keeper comprising mating lip portionsextending inwardly toward each other from the free ends of said legs.the tongue portion of said adapter element having an enlarged portion onthe free end thereof adapted to fit behind said lip portions tointerconnect said adapter element to said spacer.

20. The display assembly according to claim I) wherein said legs. lipportions and tongue are generally rigid. the cross-sectional width ofsaid tongue portion except for said enlarged portion correspondingdimensionally to the spacing between said lip portion so that saidadapter is interconnected or removed from said spacer relative to eachother to permit said enlarged portion to be positioned behind said lipportions.

21. The display assembly according to claim I) wherein said spacerelement is comprised of an extruded material.

22. The display assembly according to claim 2i wherein said material isplastic. each of said legs being generally rigid but movable toward andaway from each other about said web portion. the inner surfaces of saidleg portions including means defining a latch positioned intermediatesaid lip portions and web portion to anchor said leg portions inparallel relationship to each other.

23. The display assembly according to claim 22 wherein said latch meansincludes a pair of resilient flange portions extending from the innersurface of one of said legs toward the other of said legs and includinginwardly turned end portions defining a latch having a restrictedopening. the other of said leg portions including a tongue portionextending toward said other flange portion and including an enlargedfree end receivable through said restricted opening by flexing saidlatch portions outwardly whereupon said enlarged free end is capturedbehind said inwardly turned end portions to clamp said leg portions inparallel relationship to each other.

24. The display assembly according to claim 19 wherein the outersurfaces of said leg portions comprise a flat surface permanentlysecured to the inner surfaces of said panels by an adhesive or the like.

1. A display assembly comprising, in combination: a sign having frontand rear panels spaced from each other by a spacer element, said elementbeing recessed from the outer margins of said panels, said spacerelement including means defining a deeper; and an adapter having a firstportion defining a tongue means cooperatively engageable with saidkeeper to rigidly connect said adapter to said sign, and a secondportion cooperable with a support to anchor said adapter and sign to thesupport, said tongue means further including one or more raised portionson each side, said raised portions abutting the inner surfaces of saidpanels between said spacer element and the outer margin of said panelsto provide lateral supportive stability of said sign and spacer to saidadapter.
 2. The display assembly according to claim 1 wherein saidspacer element has a general U-shaped cross section defining a pair oflegs joined by a web portion, said keeper comprising mating lip portionsextending inwardly toward each other from the free ends of said legs,the tongue portion of said adapter element having an enlarged portion onthe free end thereof adapted to fit behind said lip portions tointerconnect said adapter element to said spacer.
 3. The displayassembly according to claim 2 wherein said legs, lip portions and tongueare generally rigid, the cross-sectional width of said tongue portionexcept for said enlarged portion corresponding dimensionally to thespacing between said lip portion so that said adapter is interconnectedor removed from said spacer by endwise sliding engagement of saidadapter and spacer relative to each other to permit said enlargedportion to be positioned behind said lip portions.
 4. The displayassembly according to claim 3 wherein one of said raised portions oneach side of said tongue is spaced from said enlarged portion a distancecorresponding to the thickness of said lip portions so that said one ofsaid raised portions abuts both the inner surface of said panels andsaid keeper when said adapter is interconnected to said spacer element.5. The display assembly according to claim 4 wherein said one of saidraised portions defines a continuous rib extending the length of saidenlarged portion to form a laterally extending pocket in which said lipportions are seated.
 6. The display assembly according to claim 5wherein the other of said raised portions defines one or more continuousribs extending the length of said adapter.
 7. The display assemblyaccording to claim 3 wherein said spacer element is generally continuousabout the periphery of said signal to permit said adapter to beinterconnected to said sign from any side, said spacer element beinginterrupted at each corner of said sign to permit endwise insertion orremoval of said adapter relative said spacer element.
 8. The displayassembly according to claim 2 wherein said spacer element is comprisedof an extruded material.
 9. The display assembly according to claim 8wherein said material is plastic, each of said legs being generallyrigid but movable toward and away from each other about said webportion, the inner surfaces of said leg portions including meansdefining a latch positioned intermediate said lip portions and webportion to anchor said leg portions in parallel relationship to eachother.
 10. The display assembly according to claim 9 wherein said latchmeans includes a pair of resilient flange portions extending from theinner surface of one of said legs toward the other of said legs andincluding inwardly turned end portions defining a latch having arestricted opening, the other of said leg portions including a tongueportion extending toward said other flange portion and including anenlarged free end receivable through said restricted opening by flexingsaid latch portions outwardly whereupon said enlarged free end iscaptured behind said inwardly turned end portions to clamp said legportions in parallel relationship to each other.
 11. The displayassembly according to claim 2 wherein the outer surfaces of said legportions comprise a flat surface permanently secured to the innersurfaces of said panels by an adhesive or the like.
 12. The displayassembly according to claim 1 wherein said spacer element extendsgenerally around the entire periphery of said panel so that said adaptercan be interlocked to said spacer element and sign along any edge ofsaid sign.
 13. A display assembly comprising, in combination: a signhaving a keeper joined to one side, said keeper being recessed from theouter margins of said sign; and an adapter having a first portiondefining a tongue means cooperatively engageable with said keeper torigidly connect said adapter to said sign along an edge of said sign,and a second portion cooperable with a support to anchor said adapterand sign to the support, said tongue means further including one or moreraised portions, said raised portions abutting the sign between saidkeeper and the outer margin of said sign to provide lateral supportivestability of said sign and keeper.
 14. A display assembly according toclaim 13 wherein said keeper has a generally U-shaped cross sectiondefining a pair of legs joined by a web portion, the outer surface ofone of said legs being affixed to said one side of said sign by anadhesive or the like, said keeper comprising mating lip portionsextending inwardly toward each other from the free ends of said legs,the tongue portion of said adapter element having an enlarged portion onthe free end thereof adapted to fit behind said lip portions tointerconnect said adapter to said spacer element.
 15. The displayassembly according to claim 14 wherein said legs, lip portions andtongue are generally rigid, the cross-sectional width of said tongueportion except for said enlarged portion corresponding dimensionally tothe spacing between said lip portions so that said adapter isinterconnected or removed from said keeper by endwise sliding engagementof said adapter and keeper relative to each other, said keeper beinginterrupted at the corners of said sign to permit endwise insertion andremoval of said adapter from said keeper along any edge of said sign.16. The display assembly according to claim 14 wherein said sign iscomprised of a pair of panels spaced by said keeper, said keeper beingpositioned intermediate said panels and recessed from the outer marginsthereof.
 17. The display assembly according to claim 14 wherein saidkeeper and adapter are comprised of an extruded plastic material.
 18. Adisplay assembly comprising, in combination: a sign having front andrear panels spaced from each other by a spacer element, said elementbeing recessed from the outer margins of said panels and extendinggenerally around its entire periphery, said spacer element includingmeans defining a keeper; and an adapter haviNg a first portion defininga tongue means cooperatively engageable with said keeper to rigidlyconnect said adapter to said sign along any peripheral edge of saidsign, and a second portion cooperable with a support to anchor saidadapter and sign to the support.
 19. The display assembly according toclaim 18 wherein said spacer element has a general U-shaped crosssection defining a pair of legs joined by a web portion, said keepercomprising mating lip portions extending inwardly toward each other fromthe free ends of said legs, the tongue portion of said adapter elementhaving an enlarged portion on the free end thereof adapted to fit behindsaid lip portions to interconnect said adapter element to said spacer.20. The display assembly according to claim 19 wherein said legs, lipportions and tongue are generally rigid, the cross-sectional width ofsaid tongue portion except for said enlarged portion correspondingdimensionally to the spacing between said lip portion so that saidadapter is interconnected or removed from said spacer relative to eachother to permit said enlarged portion to be positioned behind said lipportions.
 21. The display assembly according to claim 19 wherein saidspacer element is comprised of an extruded material.
 22. The displayassembly according to claim 21 wherein said material is plastic, each ofsaid legs being generally rigid but movable toward and away from eachother about said web portion, the inner surfaces of said leg portionsincluding means defining a latch positioned intermediate said lipportions and web portion to anchor said leg portions in parallelrelationship to each other.
 23. The display assembly according to claim22 wherein said latch means includes a pair of resilient flange portionsextending from the inner surface of one of said legs toward the other ofsaid legs and including inwardly turned end portions defining a latchhaving a restricted opening, the other of said leg portions including atongue portion extending toward said other flange portion and includingan enlarged free end receivable through said restricted opening byflexing said latch portions outwardly whereupon said enlarged free endis captured behind said inwardly turned end portions to clamp said legportions in parallel relationship to each other.
 24. The displayassembly according to claim 19 wherein the outer surfaces of said legportions comprise a flat surface permanently secured to the innersurfaces of said panels by an adhesive or the like.